Motorists urged to check their vehicles before travelling this Easter

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

M62

Motorists travelling over the Easter period are being urged to make sure they have checked their vehicle before setting off.

People are being reminded to make sure they have adequate fuel for the journey and to carry out simple vehicle checks around tyres and engine oil.

Latest statistics show almost half of all breakdowns are caused by basic mechanical problems which could be avoided with simple checks.

Furthermore, nearly a quarter are caused by tyre problems; with more than 7,000 cases nationwide of vehicle breakdowns on the strategic road network due to lack of fuel over the course of a year.

Highways England’s customer service director, Melanie Clarke, said: “Safety is our top priority and we know from experience that almost half of breakdowns can easily be avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before setting off over this period.

“We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible this Easter”

Around 300 miles of roadworks are being removed - meaning around 99% of motorways and major A roads will be roadworks-free in time for Easter.

Data shows of the more than 1bn miles travelled in the week leading up to Easter last year, more than 280 million miles were on Maundy Thursday alone; that’s almost 20 million more than the preceding Thursday.

Traffic officers will be working around the clock to help people who get into difficulty.

Drivers are also being reminded to stay safe this Easter by adhering to motorway signage, including the red X signals on smart motorways. Lanes are closed for a reason and drivers ignoring red X signs put themselves and others at risk.

Before they set off, motorists are urged to:

• Check fuel
  Make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
• Check tyres
  Prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressure and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.
• Check engine oil
  Use your dipstick to check oil before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you're topping up more than usual.
• Check water
  To ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
• Check your lights
  If your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.